Sunderland Harriers and Athletic Club received a welcome boost to its funds this week in the form of a donation of £500 from local Freemasons to go towards the funding of coaching courses.

Before training at Silksworth on Tuesday, Phil Rann, former Provincial Grand Secretary of Durham Freemasons, presented the cheque to Kevin Carr, who welcomed the contribution.

One of the young Harriers in attendance was Sarah Crossley, whose father and grandfather also belong to the Durham Freemasons. Sarah had no idea that there was to be a presentation and when she heard mention of Freemasons she came forward and made herself known. Sarah loves being a member of the Harriers and told Phil she now regularly runs two miles and is much fitter as a result of her membership – often running alongside her mother who she said she can always beat when running uphill!

Contributions such as this are the lifeblood of many sporting organisations, and the junior section, one of the key growth areas for the club, will continue to thrive as more coaches come on board to help. The club is extremely grateful to Durham Freemasons for the help they have given and hope to reward the organisation’s faith where it matters, in competition.